FootballRegister

The Crusader Youth Tackle Football program is a fall program for grade school kids in Lancaster County, where we teach young Crusaders the fundamentals of tackle football in a Christ-centered way to prepare them to be Crusaders and prepare them for life. Players compete in the Red Rose Midget Football League.

When does the fall tackle football season start?

The 2024 fall tackle practice season starts Tuesday, August 6th. Games will start Labor Day weekend.

How long does the fall tackle season run?

2024 Practices for the fall football season start Tuesday, August 6th. The regular season games run through the end of October.

What are the age groups for tackle football?

The Crusader Youth Football program is a member of the Red Rose Football League, who sets the ages and other parameters of the league, such as weight limits.

For the 2024 season, all players must be between the ages of 7 and 12 as of June 1st 2024. Players can join the 8u (D-Team) if they are younger than 7 so long as they turn 7 before September 1st, 2024.

• 12u (B team) : 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12 year olds
• 10u (C team) : 8, 9, and 10 year olds
• 8u (D team) : 7 & 8 year olds

Is there a weight limit for the different levels?

There is not a weight limit for each level, however, the league has what is known as the "striper" rule. This means that players over a certain weight limit, which is set for each level, must wear a clearly visible stripe on their helmet. These players are usually referred to as "stripers." These players must play an interior lineman position on both offense and defense in a three-point stance. "Stripers" on defense cannot line up outside the offensive tackles. "Stripers" also cannot be on kick-off nor kick-return teams.

2023 weight limits for each level, regardless of age, are:

• 12u (B team) : 145 lbs
• 10u (C team) : 120 lbs
• 8u (D team) : 100 lbs

Where are practices held?

The teams practice at the Lancaster Catholic Stadium complex, 655 Stadium Road, Lancaster, PA 17601

When are practices?

Practices for the 2024 season will start Tuesday, August 6th from 6-8pm. The first week, the teams will practice Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6-8pm. Then the teams will practice Monday through Friday for the 2nd week, Monday through Thursday for the 3rd and 4th weeks, and Tuesday through Thursday for the rest of the season. As the season progresses, and it gets darker earlier, practices will end earlier.

Where are home games played?

Home games are held a Lancaster Catholic Stadium located at 655 Stadium Road, Lancaster, PA 17601.

When are games played?

Home games are played on Sundays starting at 1pm with the 12u (B) team, followed by the 10u (C) and 8u (D) teams.

Away games are can be played on Saturdays or Sundays. Saturday afternoon games usually start around 3pm. Sunday afternoons start about 12:30. The 8u (D) team usually plays first, followed by the 10u (C), and 12u (B) teams.

What qualifications do the coaches need?

All head coaches are selected based on their prior coaching experience, as well as playing experience. We also encourage assistant coaches to join and learn how to effectively coach the Crusader system. All coaches must complete a background check (see volunteering section of this website for information/instructions). Coaches must also provide a letter from their pastor or faith minister stating that they are in good standing in their church. Coaches must also complete concussion and cardiac arrest training.

If you are interested in helping coach for the Crusader Youth Football Program, please contact the CYAA football director for more information.

Do I need to provide any football equipment?

You will need to purchase a mouth guard, socks and cleats for you player, as well as a 5 pad "girdle" with a tailbone pad, two hip pads and two thigh pads. Crusader Youth Football will provide a fitted helmet, helmet stickers, shoulder pads, practice jersey, practice pants, game jersey, game pants, and knee pads.

How much does this cost?

The 2024 fee is $140.

What information do I need to provide in order to register my player?

All players will need to have a birth certificate, player contract, parent consent form, and proof of physical examination by a doctor. All of these documents will be provided to you at sign up, and can be collected at that time as well.

How reliable is the equipment?

Every year, the equipment used is sent back to the manufacturer in order to be reconditioned and cleaned. It is then certified by the manufacturer for use the next season. Some new equipment is purchased each year to ensure we have advanced equipment.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Email the Youth Football Director at jmpmanley@gmail.com with any further questions.

Crusader Youth Football offers a spring flag football program to our students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. We believe that flag football is the best and safest way for our young Crusaders to learn the fundamentals of football as well as develop of love of the game.

When is the spring flag football season?

The 2024 spring flag football season is every Saturday night from 6pm beginning Saturday, April 13th and running through Saturday, May 18th.

Where is the spring flag football practice?

Spring Flag Football practice will be held at Lancaster Catholic Crusader Stadium Complex.

Does the spring flag football team compete against other teams?

No, the teams will have a friendly competition with other Crusaders their age.

How much does the spring flag football cost?

The cost for Spring Flag Football is $35.

What days and times are the flag football practices?

Flag football practice will be Saturdays from 6-8pm April 13th, 20th, 27th, May 4th, May 11th and May 18th.

What does my player need to wear?

Your player should wear sneakers, (turf cleats okay, but not grass cleats), shorts and a t-shirt, weather depending. A mouth guard is also recommended.

Crusader Youth Football offers a fall instructional youth flag football program for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. We believe flag football is the most developmentally appropriate for this age group. Our focus will be on the fundamentals of the sport and developing a love for the game. Through participation in this program we will prepare and teach our future Crusaders to learn the game of football in the safest way possible.

When does the fall flag football season begin?

The fall flag football season runs in parallel to the fall tackle season. Practices start after Labor Day.

The Lancaster Catholic Football Youth Summer Camp gives grade school football players and non-football players alike, an opportunity to come work out, learn some new skills, and have fun.

The Lancaster Catholic Youth Summer Football Camp is for boys entering 1st through 8th grade. Led by the Lancaster Catholic High School Football coaches and players, campers will learn position-specific drills and techniques to improve both offensive and defensive play.

Learn more about all of Lancaster Catholic's Summer Camps!

Crusader Youth Football is only made possible by the hard work and dedication of volunteers. From coaching players, to administrative work, to helping on game days, the Crusader team extends well beyond the sidelines.

The Crusader Youth Football program is always in need of volunteers. If you are able to help us out, please email us and we will be in contact with you. Please email us at jmpmanley@gmail.com. Needs include:

• Football Operations
• Concessions Operations
• Volunteer Coordination
• Sponsorship Coordination
• Equipment Management
• Game Day Operations
• Treasurer
• Social Media Management
• Game photography